I think the story is worse than 7 but the ending was better, not so much better tho tbh. combat was more polished n a lot more smoother. the game looks better and plays better too. it definitely felt like a perfected version of 7. wonder where they are going with 9 tho. loved every scene with Kiryu as well, but I felt the story was rushed because it is Kiryu’s last game essentially so they just fisted a lot of Kiryu fanservice into the game, so the game mostly felt like a celebration for Kiryu’s legacy, which I loved.
the game also has a lot worse boss battles with some quality mixed in as well.